Helicopter Accidents And Crashes
Helicopter accidents continue to cause serious and fatal injuries throughout the country. As helicopter use has increased for business and personal purposes, the risks of accidents and injuries associated with this form of travel have also. Helicopter accidents cases, like aviation cases, are very complicated matters requiring skilled attorneys familiar with federal and state laws. The New Jersey accident lawyers at Keefe Bartels & Clark, LLC have the skill, dedication and experience to help the victims and families of helicopter accidents.
Despite advances in technology and a recent decrease in their occurrence, helicopter crashes continue to happen. As helicopter use increases, unfortunately so do the inherent risks and dangers. In 2008 it is estimated that the total helicopter hours flown was 3.813 million. Only four years earlier the total helicopter hours flown was 2.534 million. The growth and popularity of helicopter travel grows daily. Therefore, it is increasingly important for helicopter manufacturers to build better and safer helicopters with quality component parts.
Helicopter accidents can be caused by various factors, including but not limited to, mechanical defect or malfunction, operator negligence or oversight, electrical short or malfunction, operation in unsafe weather conditions, failure to inspect, poor or improper maintenance, improper use and many other reasons. Whatever the underlying cause, the effects of helicopter crashes are often severe and devastating on the injured victims.
Products liability law protects consumers from the known and often undisclosed, dangerous risks of harm and injury posed by defective products. Helicopter accidents are oftentimes the result of defective parts or components. In such instances, the manufacturers of the defective parts or components may be legally responsible for the injuries and harms resulting from the helicopter accident.
The list of helicopter manufactures in the United States includes such companies as:
- American Eurocopter
- Bell/Agusta Aerospace Company
- Boeing Rotorcraft Systems
- Brantly International
- Enstrom Helicopter
- Higgins Industries
- Hiller Aircraft
- Kaman Aircraft
- MD Helicopters
- Piasecki Aircraft
- Piasecki Helicopter
- Robinson Helicopter
- RotorWay International
- Schweizer Aircraft
- Sikorsky Aircraft
- Sikorsky Global Helicopters
The New Jersey trial attorneys at Keefe Bartels & Clark, LLC are experienced in products liability law and the prosecution of such cases. Manufacturing defects of components can be proven by direct evidence or inference based on the circumstances of the accident or concluded by a finding that the evidence shows that there could be no other cause for the helicopter accident. Product liability cases can serve a public interest to bring compensation to the victims as well as to help make helicopter travel safer for all. In addition, such cases deter manufacturers from irresponsibly placing profit over safety. In some cases the failure to produce quality components with greater safety measures may be due to an irresponsible, business decision which considers the risks of harm but fails to correct them due to the increased cost to do so. In such cases, successful litigation claims by the victims can help to deter the irresponsible business decision making of manufacturers.
The New Jersey accident attorneys at Keefe Bartels & Clark, LLC are hard at work doing their part to protect the injured victims of helicopter accidents resulting from negligent operation, defective component parts, or other causes. If you or a loved one was injured in a helicopter accident or aviation accident, you may have a legal claim. Contact the experienced trial attorneys at Keefe Bartels & Clark, LLC to see if they can help you.
